Stagnant sales for the European confectionery market over the past four years

“Gums, jellies and pastilles… the sweet lure of confectionery has long since motivated consumers Europe-wide. However, it seems there is little sweet news for the European confectionery market at the moment as consumer concerns surrounding health issues such as obesity and global confectionery prices are giving the confectionery market a challenging time.

Indeed, e reveals that in the Big 5 European countries, sales of sugar and gum confectionery have remained stagnant over the past four years (2008-2011), from €8.6 billion in 2008 to an estimated €8.9billion in 2011.

Sales particularly declined in the most mature markets such as Germany, which despite remaining the largest market in Europe has seen sales drop from €3.8 billion in 2008 to €3.6 billion (est.) in 2011. Meanwhile, the UK market has remained stable at around €1.8 billion both in 2008 through to 2011. Similarly, France has seen modest growth, from €1.4 billion in 2008 to €1.5 billion (est.) in 2011. In Spain and Italy, the market managed to post a growth, although modest, from €1 billion (Spain) and €768 million (Italy) in 2008, up to €1.1 billion (est. Spain) and € 795 million (est. Italy) in 2011.

David Jago, Director of Innovation and Insight at Mintel, said:

“”Prolonged economic uncertainty has affected consumer confidence, and now people have started cutting down on non-essentials items, affecting a market that was supposed to be recession proof. Other factors hampering sales include a plethora of other snacking products, healthy eating trends, and an ageing population. Overall, both sugar and gum confectionery markets are mature in Western Europe and have little room for further growth; however Eastern European markets offer more opportunities. “”

However, it is not all bad news for the confectionery industry. Mintel’s research shows that Europe has been active in new product launches for the sector, accounting for over a quarter (27%) of global sugar and gum new product launches during January 2011 to June 2011, down a small 1% on the previous six months (July/Dec. 2010). Asia Pacific was the leading region in new product development during this period, accounting for 42% of total launches. Mintel’s GNPD recorded some 965 new products in Europe in this period in sugar and Gum confectionery, with the UK (20%) leading in terms of NPD activity among the Big 5 European countries during this period, closely followed by Germany with 18% and Spain with 12%.

And when it comes to the latest trends, the most noticeable one is the introduction of more natural ranges and the elimination or reduction of additives and preservatives. Indeed, the ‘no additives/preservatives’ claim was the second most popular across Europe during the six months to June 2011, accounting for around a fifth (20%) of the gum and confectionery launches, a figure which more than doubles the 9% seen globally.

Meanwhile, the ‘Low/no/reduced sugar’ claim dominates in new product development in the category, with over two in ten (22%) new launches with this claim over the past six months. The claim is however far more popular within the Gum confectionery market, with over half (56%) of new Gum products featuring the claim.

Pastilles, Gums, Jellies and Chews remain the largest sub-category in Europe for NPD at around a quarter (23%) of the launches for the review period, followed by Gum (14%), Toffees, Caramels & Nougats (12%), and Boiled Sweets (9%). In particular, the sub-categories that saw above-average activity compared to the global market included Standard & Power Mints (8%), Liquorice (8%) and Medicated Confectionery (7%). With flavours, traditional flavours remain extremely popular in Europe, with fruit varieties dominating (30%) the market, followed by berry fruit (21%) and herbs (20%).